Video: Usher on Making Justin Bieber a Star and the ‘Stern Talks’ He’s Had With Him

Photo: The Howard Stern Show

Love him or hate him, Justin Bieber’s success and worldwide fame is thanks in large part to Usher, who discovered the singer well before he hit it big. During his interview on Monday morning, Howard asked Usher about his and Bieber’s unique relationship and how he got hooked up with the now international pop star.

“That was an opportunity brought to me,” Usher explained, adding that he first encountered Justin in a parking lot. Bieber wanted to audition right then and there, but Usher knew better than to let that happen. The reason: he tried to do the same thing years earlier for record producer Dallas Austin. As a teenager, Usher once stopped Austin in a nightclub parking lot and requested to sing for him, but he declined. Usher wanted to hear Bieber perform but knew it would be best if they did it in a formal setting.

“Let’s just do it the right way,” Usher told Justin. Later, he showed one of Justin’s videos to L.A. Reid’s ex-wife, Perri “Pebbles” Reid.

“Perri says, ‘Are you crazy? You better get down there and meet this kid right now. He’s amazing!'” Usher said. He followed her advice and reached out to Justin about what he could do for his career.

Of course, his music isn’t the only facet of Justin’s fame. Howard wanted to know what Usher thought about Bieber’s leaked dick pics.

“He has a mind of his own what he chose to do with his penis is his prerogative,” Usher told Howard. “I have nothing to do with Justin Bieber’s private parts.”

But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t had serious conversations with the singing sensation.

“We’ve had stern talks,” Usher said. “He’s like a child to me so, I don’t necessarily feel like it’s business.”

Howard jokingly asked if he’s ever spanked Bieber.

“I think I wanted to,” Usher said.

Watch Usher discuss his unique relationship with Justin Bieber in the video (above).